A significant transformation is set to take place at the National Gallery, with plans for a new wing designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who previously faced criticism for his design of a controversial structure in France.
The new addition to the National Gallery will mark a pivotal moment in its history, as it will be the first time the institution includes artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. Established at its current location in 1838, the gallery aims to become the „only museum globally that exclusively showcases paintings, allowing visitors to explore the entire history of Western painting.“
Innovative Design and Controversial Background
In selecting Kengo Kuma and Associates for this ambitious project, the National Gallery praised the design as „innovative and beautiful,“ describing the submission as „exemplary.“ Kuma’s previous work has sparked debate, particularly his recent project in Angers, France, where he constructed a 450-tonne concrete gallery over the Saint Maurice Cathedral. This design has been met with harsh criticism, being labeled a „wart“ and a „reinforced concrete UFO“ by local media.
The gallery in Angers was intended to protect colorful sculptures dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries, which had previously been sheltered by a porch that was destroyed by lightning in 1617 and subsequently removed in 1807. The French project, which cost €5.5 million, is set to be unveiled by Culture Minister Catherine Pegard.
Project Domani: A Vision for the Future
The new wing at the National Gallery is part of a larger initiative known as Project Domani, which has a budget of £720 million and aims to redefine the gallery for the next century. Early artist renderings of the new wing depict a bridge that will connect the existing structure with the new addition, along with a rooftop garden designed to enhance the overall presence of the museum.
The jury panel overseeing the project emphasized that the interior of the new wing would be „very simple and clean,“ while also noting that it would create a continuum with the Sainsbury Wing and North Galleries. However, the upper floor is expected to feature its own distinct style, adding variety and a change of design pace to the overall layout.
Social Value and Design Framework
In their evaluation, the jury also took into account the social value of the proposed designs, highlighting that Kuma’s plan included a „robust and measurable social value delivery plan,“ which was further enhanced by the incorporation of a bespoke Climate & Social Action Design Framework.
Kengo Kuma and Associates triumphed over several notable firms in the competition, including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Foster + Partners, and Selldorf Architects, the latter of whom previously renovated the Sainsbury Wing. Interestingly, one of London’s most spectacular houses is opening to the public next month, showcasing the city’s architectural evolution.
Historical Context and Previous Criticism
The National Gallery, founded in 1824, has faced its share of criticism regarding renovations in the past. The redesign of the Sainsbury Wing, completed in 1991, was particularly contentious, with some detractors likening its appearance to that of „a circus clown wearing a tutu.“ Additionally, Charles, then the Prince of Wales, famously condemned the original architect’s choice for the Sainsbury Wing, describing it as „a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.“
Following this, the construction was completed by architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, whose installation of false columns drew further criticism. A hidden note from Lord Sainsbury expressed his discontent with the design, stating, „If you have found this note you must be engaged in demolishing one of the false columns that have been placed in the foyer of the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. I believe that the false columns are a mistake of the architect and that we would live to regret our accepting this detail of his design.“
As the National Gallery prepares for this significant renovation, it remains to be seen how the new wing will be received by the public and critics alike.
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Bildquelle: Foto von Igor Sporynin auf Unsplash
